Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Whitby and Olivia Bailey

Monday 2nd March 2026 Commons Chamber

[John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)]

4. What steps she is taking to help prevent the use of phones by children in schools.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)]

Mobile phones have no place in our schools. We have published strengthened guidance that is clear that all schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default for the entire school day. Ofsted will be checking this at every inspection.

[John Whitby]

What assessment has been made of the magnetic lockable pouches that are being used in some schools as a way of preventing any smartphone access during the entire school day, including lunch time and breaks? Could a national roll-out of those be considered?